and serves as communications liaison with the city, neighborhood, and dog owners. Suggested Dog Park Features Dog parks across the country have learned by trial and error what features are important to a successful off-leash area. Here are some guidelines that may help you. • 1-5 acres since smaller parks may experience overcrowding problems, while larger parks may be too big to be wellcontrolled. • Good drainage to prevent muddy conditions that make the area unusable. • 5-6 foot fence to prevent dogs from jumping over the fence • Double gate system to prevent dogs from escaping when other dogs and their owners are entering or leaving the dog park. • Water fountain for thirsty dogs. • Covered containers for disposal of dog feces and feces-removal supplies to promote cleanup. • Shade trees to provide protection from summer heat for dogs and pet owners. • Central, well-lighted location to ensure the safety of dog owners and their dogs. • Wheelchair access so that all people can use the dog park. • Benches for pet owners to relax together with each other while observing their dogs. • Signs to clearly display the rules of the dog park and its boundaries. • Parking lot close by to minimize distance pet owner and dog must traverse to get to dog park. • Buffer zones, such as hedges, trees, and landforms, between park and neighbors to minimize noise and maximize aesthetic enjoyment.
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